"Society should always be looking for ways to strengthen marriage, rather than redefine it." -Matt Birk
(St. Paul, MN)—Debate in Minnesota on protecting traditional marriage is heating up as the November 6th vote to amend the constitution to affirm marriage as the union of one man and one woman looms and a court case to redefine marriage is underway. In a new online video launched by the Minnesota Catholic Conference (MCC), NFL all-pro Matt Birk discusses his belief in marriage as between a man and a woman, and its importance as a cornerstone social institution.
Birk, the 2012 NFL Man of the Year, Minnesota native, and practicing Catholic, also talks about the importance of both mothers and fathers for children, the pending court case in Minnesota's Hennepin County to redefine marriage, and his personal reasons for deciding to speak publicly on the issue of marriage redefinition. (Photo/NFL)
"My hope is that, by adding my voice to this discussion, I encourage the majority of Americans who do agree that it's not the state's place to redefine marriage to speak up with truth and respect," said Birk. "Bonding one man and one woman together through marriage helps connect both moms and dads to their kids; that's why the state cares about marriage in the first place. Society should always be looking for ways to strengthen marriage, rather than redefine it."
"I expect some people will misinterpret what I have to say," said Birk, "or make false accusations about me, but this issue is far too important for me to remain silent. It's not intolerant to understand that certain social institutions have boundaries for a purpose, and that marriage between one woman and one man serve a unique and irreplaceable role in society."
Click on the link provided to watch a video of Birk stating his case in defense of traditional marriage.